01.Tchaikovsky "Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy" from "The Nutcracker" calls to mind children sneaking around the house on Christmas Eve to discover Santa stuffing the stockings.Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

02.Tchaikovsky "Trepak (Russian Dance)" from "The Nutcracker" sounds like a sleigh ride on steroids! Picture dancing Cossacks crossing their arms and kicking their legs high in the air.Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

04.Tchaikovsky "March" from "The Nutcracker" is one of the most familiar tunes from the Nutcracker ballet, which is mostly performed during the holiday season.Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

05.Handel "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Messiah" is a joyful, exuberant choral piece. Interestingly enough, "Messiah" was conceived for Lent (leading up to Easter) but is now mostly performed during Advent (leading up to Christmas).Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

10.Schubert "Ave Maria" is the most commonly sung version of the tune, even though it's really called "Ellen's Third Song" from Schubert's 1825 musical "The Lady Of The Lake."Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

Put these classics in your iTunes playlist for your holiday celebrations this year and you'll have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye.

UPDATE FOR CHRISTMAS 2014:Get all these tracks and 40 more - A Kickass Classical Christmas.